Focus

Pay attention to the tension in your body. Let go of it and any expectations to do anything other than God’s will today. Prepare yourself to hear God’s word.

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Read

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Reflect

What a beautiful opening statement, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” This passage from Philippians is stating one of the best ways to come out of a bad mood. In life, we have bad days as much, if not more, than we have good days. This is not true for everyone but if you are like me, there are times in my life where it just won’t stop raining on my parade. This is why this opening statement to this passage is so beautiful. It is understanding the anxiety, pain, fear, frustration, (insert any emotion here), in other words, the storms we face every single day and is giving us a simple reminder to rejoice in the Lord. I’ve heard it said that if a storm hits, meaning something bad happens in your life, then learn to rejoice and praise God in the rain and this is what this verse is saying.

Now I know it is easier said than done, but that is why the passage is not left at this opening statement. It continues to remind us that God is here. He is not missing or lost. He is here with us this very moment and it doesn’t take a tradition or a special ritual to come to Him. We simply must speak the words in our hearts and God hears. God hears us and through His love and great mercy He brings us peace and protection that are not bound by the outcome of our storms. As a brother in Christ, I urge all of us to start our day rejoicing and praying, even when it hurts because the God that brings peace that “surpasses all understanding” is not far away. He is right here with you where ever you are.

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Pray

Father God, we come to you this morning in prayer and in rejoicing. We don’t know the pain that our brothers and sisters are experiencing today but you do and you know ours too. We pray that you would fill us with your peace, Father, so that our hearts and minds can be guarded. We don’t ever want to face this storm alone and are thankful that you never leave us and are always there with us for every drop of rain and every lighting strike. In praise and thanksgiving, we pray that it would be your will, not ours that is done today. In Christ Jesus, Amen.